Genre fiction of any sort has a certain power. It’s the power to sneak serious thinking into “mindless, fluffy, badly written” books. It’s what part of what Very Serious Literary People do not understand about why smart people sometimes read “dumb” books. Part of it is escapism (which I don’t view as a derogatory term):
Laura Florand is one of those exceedingly reliable authors who always manages to write a book that I know I will adore. I’ve only read three of hers thus far (I’m rationing them), but each one has been utterly charming and full of amazing culinary inspiration. The Chocolate Kiss is no exception. It takes place
If I ever enjoy an older romance, I expect it to be the sort of enjoyment a person gets from things that are wacky and adorable. I don’t ever really expect them to be exactly good. But Nurse Janice Calling, despite the retro cover, the awful title and the 1964 publication date, was a darn
Trust is an interesting phenomenon. In love or friendship, it’s what lets people relax, let down their guards and just enjoy each other for who they are without worrying about being judged, hurt or ridiculed (except in good fun, of course). In romance novels, one or both characters’ lack of it is often the main
I love Jackie Ashenden’s books. I love that many are set somewhere other than the United States. This one, for example, is set in New Zealand. I love that her characters are messed up and often kinda kinky, but that the two things are not directly related. And her characters never eat, which leaves me
If romance novels are to be believed, almost all men, at least, those worthy of attention, are hard-bodies. They all run and lift weights and work with their hands, even if they don’t. Because they all look like the models on the covers, right? I know that romance is all about the woman’s fantasy and
A few weeks ago, I read a string of hero-as-chef romances all in a row: The Chocolate Thief by Laura Florand, Ruby by Jeffe Kennedy and this one, Truly by Ruthie Knox. I waited to review it until closer to the release date, which is this Tuesday. I’d read one other book by Knox in
Saturday Snack Time is a little collection of fun things I found online during the week and I thought were worth sharing. Let’s get snacking, shall we? 1 | Missing San Antonio food? I wasn’t even at RWA and I am. 2 | Your giant American refrigerator is making you fat and poor. I’m just
